Easy Cheesy Chicken Pasta That’s Warm & Indulgent
Warm, melty, and irresistibly cheesy chicken pasta made with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. Comfort food perfection for dinner, meal prep, or sharing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup extra cheese or breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté chicken in olive oil until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan.
- Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly add milk and cream.
- Simmer until thickened. Stir in cheeses and spices until melted.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce.
- Optional: Transfer to baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Rest 5 minutes and serve warm.
Notes
Use shredded cheese for best melt. Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.